Cutter/Draper at Emerson College in Boston, MA

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The Cutter/Draper position reports to the Costume Shop Supervisor and will create and alter costumes for Emerson Stage productions, as well as providing guidance, support, training, research and supervision to student costume designers and work-study students. This is an important role that requires accuracy, attention to detail, and a passion for theatrical costume production.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Create, by using flat patterning and/ or draping methods, costumes for Emerson Stage productions as assigned by the Costume Shop Supervisor from sketch through completion. Translate the silhouette, proportion, and drape of designs into customized patterns for diverse body types.
Ensure that the needs of the costume are addressed, including considering the time period, the required movement of the actor, and time available for changing into the costume.
Determine yardage of fabrics and trims for costume builds, guide students in making appropriate choices for considering construction and budgeting.
Research periods, styles, and techniques necessary to complete costume pieces to design specifications.
Perform alterations and maintenance to pulled or rented costume pieces.
In coordination with Shop Staff attend fittings, production meetings, technical and dress rehearsals
Supervise and train work study students to be first hands.
Collaborate with and support the Costume Shop Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor to provide a pleasant, well-functioning, professional work environment.
Attend departmental meetings as required.
Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, Costume Design, Technical Theater, or a related field required.
Minimum of 5 years of previous Draping or Costume Construction experience.
Knowledge of a variety of costume construction techniques and the process involved in putting together a garment
Knowledge of seams, closures, finishing details, lining, flatlining, tailoring, and corset making.
Knowledge of history in terms of clothing worn and of historical patterning
Knowledge of traditional suit tailoring
Understanding of the behind the scenes processes in theater production
Proficiency in using an industrial sewing machine
Strong flat patterning skills
Excellent draping skills
Ability to work with all types of fabrics that require a variety of sewing techniques
Ability to estimate the yardage of fabric and trim used to make a costume
Good collaborative skills, and the ability to work well with others
Previous experience in an educational environment
Ability to instruct students with varying degrees of sewing experience
Ability to be flexible in changing circumstances and to adapt patterns to suit a specific project or diverse body types
Good listening, comprehension, and deductive reasoning skills
Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills
Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position requires standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling and superior fine motor skills. movement throughout the area is required Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels
Occasional exposure to dust, oils, chemicals, perfumes, dyes, detergents, adhesives, bodily fluids, vibration, and moving mechanical parts

This is a 10 Month postion July 16-May 15.

Compensation: $52,000.00 - $62,450.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: S-23-06E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division: Division of Academic Affairs

This position will be exclusively represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 888 for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.